Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143 Favoritism Hidden in Teases

71

Finisher

He’d foolishly held onto a glimmer of hope, thinking he might still have a chance with her. But it turned ou she’d already moved on with someone else.

None of it matters now… none of it.

Mia stood off to the side, watching everything unfold. A sharp, bitter ache twisted in her chest. The man she’d secretly loved for so long already had someone else occupying every corner of his heart.

As an outsider looking in, she could see just how deeply Quinn had rooted herself in Leo’s world. That was why he never noticed anyone else-why no other woman could ever make him so much as glance her way. His heart was already full to the brim. There was no room left for anyone else.

“Mia, these pastries Leo got are amazing. Come try one,” Quinn called out, waving her over with a grin.

But Mia shook her head. She knew these little treats weren’t meant for her. She had no right to partake in them.

“I’m good, Miss Hart. I don’t really have a sweet tooth. You enjoy them,” she said, forcing a polite smile. “Besides, we’ve still got work to finish. I should get back to it.”

“Come on, Mia. Leo bought all these—he must’ve known you’d be here with me, right?” Quinn pressed. turning to shoot Leo a playful look.

“Uh, yeah-they’re for you two lovely ladies,” Leo stammered, caught off guard. He couldn’t very well contradict her now-not without making Mia feel awkward and left out.

But he couldn’t help but wonder what was going on inside Quinn’s head.

Is she actually trying to set me up with Mia? Weare total opposites-from two completely different worlds. There’s no way anything could ever happen between us.

Besides, after Quinn, he’d never been able to feel that way about anyone else. No other woman had ever made his heart race or his palms sweat the way she did. If he was capable of falling for someone else, he would’ve done it years ago. He wouldn’t still be single, pining after her all this time.

Quinn picked up a cupcake and took a big bite, humming in delight. She had to admit, the treat worked like a charm. Almost instantly, her mood lifted, the weight of the past few days fading just a little.

“Alright, let’s get down to business. Let’s see what’s wrong with this data so we can fix it ASAP,’ she said, wiping the crumbs from her mouth with a smile.

Just like old times-sweets always managed to turn her day around. A little sugar rush and she’d be ready to take on the world.

“Honestly, Quinn-will you ever grow up?” Leo teased, shaking his head in amusement. “Back in the day, a single pastry was all it took to get you pumped up and ready to go. Some things never change, huh? Can’t you at least try to act your age?”

He couldn’t help but rib her a little. Seeing her smile again, even if it was just because of a silly cupcake. made a warm, fuzzy feeling bloom in his chest. Teasing her was just his way of lightening the mood.

17:14 Tue, Jan 27 MM

Chapter 143 Favoritism Hidden in Teases

71

Finished

“Hey, you’re the one who bought them for me!” Quinn shot back, rolling her eyes playfully. “Don’t go acting all high and mighty now.”

Mia stood quietly by the side, watching their easy banter with a mix of envy and longing. She couldn’t help but wish she was the one Leo was joking around with, the one he looked at with that soft, fond smile.

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But she knew it was a hopeless dream. Leo’s love for Quinn ran too deep. It had nothing to do with her, and there was nothing she could do to change that.

She often daydreamed about what it would be like if Leo ever looked at her that way. If he ever showered her with the same kindness and attention he gave Quinn. Leo was such a thoughtful man-she knew that if he ever loved someone, he’d love them with every fiber of his being.

But he doesn’t love me. He never will. So why amI still holding onto this pointless fantasy?

Once Quinn dove into the work, she wasted no time. Thanks to the team of experts Leo had rounded up, they made quick work of the faulty data. Together, they fixed the glitches in record time.

“Alright, that’s a wrap! Thanks a million to your friends, Leo. Without them, I’d probably still be stuck here trying to figure this out alone,” Quinn said, relief flooding her voice.

“Anytime, Quinn. We’re all friends of Leo’s. No need to thank us,” one of the guys said, slinging an arm around Leo’s shoulder. “If that’s all, we’ll head out now.”

The group started gathering their things, but Leo stopped them before they could leave,

“Hold on. You guys all worked your tails off today. The least I can do is treat everyone to dinner. I already made a reservation,” he said firmly. It was the least he could do for their help.

“Sounds great, but I’m gonna have to pass,” Quinn said, giving him an apologetic smile. “You know how crazy things have been at home lately. Mia can go in my place, though!

She beamed, thrilled at the chance to set Mia and Leo up. If they spent more time together, she was sure they’d see how great they were for each other. Who knew? They might even end up hitting it off.

“Miss Hart, if you’re not going, I shouldn’t go either,” Mia said nervously, twisting her hands together. “I don’t really know any of these people. It’ll be awkward.”

Mia was never good with social situations. The thought of sitting through a whole dinner with a bunch of strangers made her stomach twist into knots. Normally, Quinn would’ve stayed by her side, but with everything going on at home, she really had no choice but to bail.

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